LODHRAN: At least 25 passengers were injured after multiple bogies of the Tezgam Express derailed near Adam Wahan station. Authorities launched immediate rescue and relief operations as railway services faced major disruption.
The Tezgam Express, travelling from Rawalpindi to Karachi, met with an accident near Adam Wahan station in Lodhran.
According to rescue officials, four bogies overturned while several others derailed. Reports indicate that a total of eight bogies were involved in the accident, with three overturning late at night and four derailing.
Rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the site to manage the emergency.
A full-scale rescue operation was launched to assist injured passengers and shift them to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that 25 passengers were injured, with eight referred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. One passenger remains in critical condition.
Meanwhile, seven injured passengers have been discharged from the district hospital, while one patient continues to receive treatment, according to hospital administration.
An emergency was declared at the hospital, and all doctors were summoned, said the additional deputy commissioner general. Officials added that it is too early to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The district administration established a relief camp for affected passengers. The Lodhran deputy commissioner confirmed that food and drink arrangements were made for passengers, while efforts are ongoing to provide alternative transportation to help them reach their destinations. He also stated that the search operation for the affected bogies has been completed.
Railway authorities initiated immediate work to clear the tracks and restore services. Heavy machinery was used to lift the derailed and overturned bogies, according to the station master. The up track was successfully restored after 13 hours, allowing railway operations to partially resume. Five trains, including the Hazara Express, were sent to their destinations. Officials confirmed that the Karachi-to-Rawalpindi track has now been restored, and up trains are moving normally.
Restoration work on the down track is still underway but is expected to be completed soon, railway officials said.
Station Master Muhammad Ahad confirmed that the down track will be restored in the near future.
Authorities also stated that all affected bogies have been removed from the track, ensuring smoother operations moving forward.
Despite the scale of the accident, authorities say the situation is now under control, with rescue operations completed and railway services gradually returning to normal.
Investigations into the cause of the derailment are expected once immediate recovery efforts conclude.
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